When Rega launched its affordable Nd3 MM cartridge at HIGH END Munich 2024, the rather inexpensive entry-level cartridge did not get a lot of attention. That’s a pity because it’s very good for less than £175. We are slightly confused in regard to its $345 USD price but that’s what it is retailing for here now. The new flagship Nd7 is $795 and that puts it up against some heavy hitters from Hana, Grado, Ortofon and Dynavector.
According to Rega, the Nd7 will offer between 5 and 6mV of output (which feels somewhat ambiguous) and requires 1.75 grams of tracking force. The headshell uses 3 points for attachment making it ideal for Rega’s own tonearms.
Rega Nd7
Each Nd7 is hand-made by Rega’s technicians and uses a “fine line” nude diamond profile which it claims delivers the ultimate in detail retrieval. This is the same profile used on Rega’s high-end MC cartridges, the Apheta 3 ($2,245) and Aphelion 2 ($5,495).
This profile has an exceptionally small radii Monocrystalline manmade diamond with the minor radius being just 3µm (microns) as viewed from the top and 30µm in the vertical when viewed from the front.
This profile allows immediate adjustment to very small changes in the vinyl due to the small contact area of the diamond which results in the high level of detail being retrieved. The design uses brand new generator geometry which claims to achieve highly accurate channel balance.
The Nd7 also has an optimized pole gap for superior linearity and cross talk characteristics, this provides a far wider soundstage than the previous models.
This new cartridge is created with miniaturized parallel coils which are wound in house utilizing 38-micron wire with just 1275 turns. This produces a low inductance, low impedance generator giving improved high frequency response.
Nd Magnet technology
The Nd7 is the first moving magnet phono cartridge to utilize a Neodymium (Nd) N55 magnet, which is often used in Moving Coil designs (including other Rega models). Neodymium is the world’s most powerful commercially available magnet and is a crucial component that makes this unique design possible by delivering extra power than standard bar magnet designs.
Glass filled PPS body
The complete assembly is housed in Rega’s zero tolerance Injection moulded glass filled polyphenylene sulphide body (PPS) which is a lightweight and highly rigid material. A low mass body reduces stress on the tonearm bearings and aids free movement which is critical in accurate vinyl replay. This new body design was inspired by Rega’s successful MC range.
Cantilever & stylus profile
The Nd7 aluminium cantilever is fitted with a precision perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus. Rega says this profile improved tracking accuracy and extracts greater levels of detail from the vinyl surface.
Factory Fitted options
The Nd7 cartridge will be offered as a factory fitted option on Rega’s Planar 6 and Planar 8 turntables. Designed specifically with these turntables in mind, the Nd7 promises to extract the very best from your vinyl collection.
The Bottom Line
The Rega Nd7 looks great on paper and is certainly designed to maximise the performance of any Rega deck — with the exception of the Rega Naia that needs something more exotic to show off its skills.
If you use a Rega tonearm (looks at Thorens TD-160 Super), the Nd7 can be installed rather easily and will likely elevate the performance of your existing table if you are running an entry-level cartridge on it.
The $795 asking price might raise a few eyebrows but the Nd7 was clearly designed to challenge cartridges such as the Ortofon 2M Black, Dynavector 10×5 MKII, and Audio Technica AT-OC9XSL — all very solid options for under $800.
Having listened to the Nd3 and Nd5 (briefly), I’m willing to suggest that the Nd7 is likely to offer greater clarity, more detail, and a great deal of pace. Will it be as colourful as the 2M Black or Dynavector 10×5 MKII?
Guess we will have to find out.
Price & Availability
The Rega Nd7 is available now for $795 at Audio Advice. Factory fitted packages are offered at a discounted rate compared to when purchased separately, ask your Rega dealer for details.
For more information: rega.co.uk
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